Dysmenorrhoea (period pain)
A study of 1000 girls aged 16 - 18 in Canberra found that 21% of the girls had severe pain with periods, and 26% had missed school because of period symptoms.
Period pain is the most common type of pelvic pain. Severe period pain in young women and people AFAB is a bigger problem now than in the past, as girls start to have their periods earlier and become pregnant later. This roughly rounds up to 300 to 400 periods in their lifetime before menopause. Similar results have been found throughout the world.
Dysmenorrhoea means painful periods. It is the most common type of pelvic pain.
What is “normal” period pain?
Period pain does not have to be ‘just part of being a woman’. Everyone experiences pain differently, so the key question is whether pain is limited and manageable. Period pain may be considered more likely to be “typical” if:
The pain is mainly on the first 1–2 days of bleeding, and
It improves with simple pain relief and/or the contraceptive pill.
If pain does not fit this pattern—especially if it lasts longer than 1–2 days, starts well before bleeding, or doesn’t respond to first-line treatments—then it may not be “just a normal period,” and it is worth getting checked.
Why does dysmenorrhoea happen?
For many people, period pain comes from the uterus (womb) contracting during menstruation. These contractions can be painful, and sometimes the uterus itself becomes very sensitive.
What can I do to manage period pain? (Simple things first)
1) Use a tracker
Pain medicines often work best when taken early, before pain becomes severe. Tracking helps you predict when your period is coming and plan ahead.
2) Period pain medicines (first-line options)
Anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, mefenamic acid) are often recommended because they can reduce the body’s prostaglandins that drive cramps.
If pain is not controlled, a GP may discuss other options. Stronger pain medicines (including those containing opioids) require careful medical oversight and are not suitable for routine use for ongoing pelvic pain.
Important: Always follow age-appropriate product instructions and seek GP/pharmacist advice, especially if there is asthma, reflux, stomach ulcers, kidney disease, bleeding risk, or other health conditions.
3) Hormonal options (discuss with a GP)
The contraceptive pill is often used to regulate periods and reduce pain. Some people take hormonal contraception continuously to reduce the number of bleeds, which can reduce symptoms. It’s helpful to think of the contraceptive pill as a menstrual management pill.
A hormonal IUD (e.g., Mirena®) can make periods lighter and less painful for some people and can be considered in some adolescents under appropriate medical care.
4) Supportive strategies
Many people also find benefit from:
Heat (e.g., heat packs)
TENS machines
Gentle movement
Rest and sleep support
Stress support and pacing
Selected complementary approaches (only where safe and discussed with a clinician)
When should I see a GP about dysmenorrhoea?
Consider booking in if:
Pain regularly stops you going to school or activities
Pain lasts more than 1–2 days, starts well before bleeding, or is getting worse over time
Simple treatments do not help
You also have bowel, bladder, pain with tampons, or pelvic pain outside your period
If first-line dysmenorrhoea care doesn’t help, your GP may consider other causes—including endometriosis.
Menstrual and Pelvic Pain Conditions
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Adenomyosis
What it is: Tissue like the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall of the uterus.
Common signs: Heavy periods and strong cramps.
Note: More common in adults but can still be explored if symptoms match. -
Bleeding disorders (like von Willebrand disease)
What it is: A condition that makes it harder for blood to clot normally.
Clues: Very heavy periods from the start, frequent nosebleeds, easy bruising, bleeding gums, long bleeding after dental work, family history.
Why it matters: Identifying this can make period care safer and more effective. -
Endometriosis
What it is: Tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in places it shouldn’t (like around the pelvis).
Common signs: Period pain that’s strong or worsening over time, pain between periods, bowel/bladder pain around your period, pain with sex (for those who are sexually active), fatigue.
Why it matters: It can take time to diagnose—getting help early is important.See our page on Endometriosis.
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Fibroids (uterine muscle lumps)
What it is: Non-cancerous growths in the uterus.
Common signs: Heavy bleeding, pressure, cramps.
Teen note: More common in adults, but can impact teens. -
Heavy menstrual bleeding
What it is: Bleeding that is heavy enough to affect your daily life.
Signs: Soaking through pads/tampons often, “flooding,” bleeding through clothes or sheets, needing double protection, feeling tired or dizzy (possible low iron).
Why it matters: Heavy bleeding can cause iron deficiency and exhaustion. -
Irregular periods
What it is: Periods that come too often, not often enough, or are unpredictable.
Teen note: It can take a few years after your first period for cycles to settle. But ongoing irregularity can also signal a hormone condition. -
Menstrual migraine
What it is: Migraines that happen around your period (often from hormone shifts).
Common signs: Throbbing headache, nausea, light/sound sensitivity; sometimes visual changes (aura).
Why it matters: Migraines can be treated—tracking timing helps. -
No periods (amenorrhoea)
What it is: When periods don’t start when expected, or they stop for months after they’ve begun.
Possible reasons: Stress, not eating enough, over-exercise, hormonal conditions, some medicines, pregnancy (if sexually active).
Why it matters: If periods stop, it is worth checking in with a clinician. -
Oligomenorrhea
What it is: Oligomenorrhea is a type of abnormal menstruation that involves infrequent periods. You may regularly go for longer than 35 days between periods.
Note: Hormone imbalances are often to blame for oligomenorrhea, but your doctor can make a definitive diagnosis.
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Ovarian cysts (sometimes linked with cycles)
What it is: Fluid-filled sacs on the ovary (often harmless and temporary).
Common signs: One-sided pelvic pain, bloating; occasionally sudden severe pain if a cyst twists/ruptures.
Urgent: Sudden, severe pain needs prompt assessment. -
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
What it is: A hormone condition that can affect periods and ovulation.
Common signs: Irregular periods, acne, extra hair growth (face/chest/tummy), weight changes (not always), hair thinning on the scalp.
Good to know: PCOS is manageable, and support can improve symptoms and long-term health. -
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
What it is: An infection of the reproductive organs, usually linked to untreated sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Signs: Lower tummy pain, unusual discharge, bleeding between periods, pain with sex, fever.
Important: Needs medical care quickly. -
Period pain (dysmenorrhoea)
What it is: Cramping or aching pain during your period (sometimes before it starts).
What it can feel like: Lower tummy/back pain, nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, feeling faint.
Note: Pain can be “common” but it should not stop you living your life. -
PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
What it is: Physical and emotional symptoms in the week or two before your period that improve once bleeding starts.
Common signs: Mood changes, irritability, bloating, breast tenderness, headaches, cravings, sleep changes. -
PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)
What it is: A more severe form of premenstrual symptoms, where mood symptoms seriously affect daily life.
Common signs: Big mood swings, intense irritability, sadness/hopelessness, anxiety, feeling overwhelmed—coming in a clear monthly pattern.
Important: Help is available—this is real, treatable, and not “just being dramatic.”